There is nothing more important than having a good grip on a 2000 degree piece of metal and there is nothing more frustrating than when you can't. Take this class and learn how to make tongs that are strong and will properly hold your work. By making your own tongs you'll save money, time, and be working safely while getting needed hammer practice for the hobby blacksmiths.
Students will weave these striking snowflakes from hardwood maple and cherry wood splint. Several patterns may be woven, depending on the chosen splint. Students will weave one large 10" diameter snowflake, and two smaller 7" snowflakes, which make a beautiful grouping hung together on a tree or in a window. Additional kits will be available for sale.
Herbal infused vinegar is easy to make and wonderful to take! Learn how adding just a few simple, fresh ingredients can enhance the scientifically proven curative power of apple cider vinegar. As we chop, we'll discuss the variety of internal and external applications, the many benefits of apple cider vinegar itself and the added value of combining it with the curative plants found in "Herbs de Provence". During the July offering, you will have the opportunity to make avariety of herbal infused vinegars based on the recipe which originated in the Provence region of southern France. Created with your desired focus on wellness and immune system support throughout the year. In the October offering, learn to make Margo's tried and true "must make" Fire Cider Vinegar formula for Immune system support, and increasing circulation and heat during cold weather imbalances.
There is nothing more important than having a good grip on a 2000 degree piece of metal and there is nothing more frustrating than when you can't. Take this class and learn how to make tongs that are strong and will properly hold your work. By making your own tongs you'll save money, time, and be working safely while getting needed hammer practice for the hobby blacksmiths.
Open a new chapter in your wood working journey by making your own hand tool. Shape the wood body, harden and temper steel for the blade and make your first shavings all in one day!
This two-day workshop yields time enough to explore three styles of Shaker carriers; Fixed Handled, Swinging Handled and Divided carriers. Construction steps and hardware application will be demonstrated, and all participants will put their hands-to-work on their own carriers. These projects have a firm place in Shaker history as they were a very popular offering to "The World's People" by Shaker craftsmen.
Interested in blacksmithing but unsure how to start? Open Forge Night is the place for you! Every third Wednesday of the month during our blacksmithing season, come see demonstrations by expert blacksmith Steve Gurzler. Observing the demonstration is free and open to the public. If you want to try your hand at blacksmithing there is a $20 fee to cover the cost of materials. Safety precautions must be followed - including hard shoes with no open toes, long pants, goggles (supplied) and gloves (supplied).
This two-day workshop yields time enough to explore three styles of Shaker carriers; Fixed Handled, Swinging Handled and Divided carriers. Construction steps and hardware application will be demonstrated, and all participants will put their hands-to-work on their own carriers. These projects have a firm place in Shaker history as they were a very popular offering to "The World's People" by Shaker craftsmen.
If you've taken Taste of the Forge or another basic blacksmithing class at AFS, then you're ready for Taste of the Forge II! This class, taught by blacksmith Steve Gurzler, builds on the students' prior experience to bring them to the next level, pursuing more advanced skills. Like in Taste of the Forge, we will follow the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America (ABANA) curriculum in a small class format. Students can expect to create 2 or more useful or decorative objects over the course of 3 weekday evenings.
One of the most iconic items of Shaker woodworking, nesting oval boxes share elegance, simplicity and functionality equally. Using carefully prepared thin strips of wood each participant will carve the "swallowtails" of "fingers" on one end before soaking them in a hot water bath to soften for bending. Copper tacks are installed to hold the oval hoop together before top and bottom boards are fit and held by wooden pegs. Each student will construct five nesting oval boxes from cherry wood in this two-day workshop.
Learn the discipline of Metal Working known as Embossing. Students will transfer an image of their choosing from a paper template to a sheet of copper by using various sizes of stylus and other hand tools to create a textured picture. Students will find that copper is a very workable material. Your finished piece will fit in with any Adirondack decor or even in a rustic birch frame! This piece is 12" x 12".
Drawing from over 30 years of fine instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles of making a ukulele, leading students through the process of making their own ukulele from scratch using hand tools. This intensive course covers every aspect of ukulele making. Participants will leave with a working knowledge of ukulele making, and a handcrafted instrument ready for a lifetime of making music.
